Insp Sheila On The Prowl Again One Woman Crusader Or Self Serving Attention Seeker

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Letter to Editor
IS Inspector Sheila a modern day Serpico who single-handedly battles police abuse and corruption or a self-serving attention seeker?
Like many Malaysians, I am at times confused and somewhat bewildered by this lady’s behaviour.
Recall that the now suspended police officer known as Sheila Sharon Steven Kumar shot to fame with her steely demeanour and statuesque physique resembling an Amazonian warrior (that’s a compliment, by the way).
She was seen as a strong female role model who was not afraid to impose herself in a male-dominated workplace.
Bestowed the moniker online of “Insp Sheila”, she has had her run ins with powers that be and recently made a return after a hiatus with her typical aggression when confronting cops at Jalan Ipoh.



















Question marks
In a widely shared video, Sheila could be seen shouting at the police officers, accusing them of harassing and extorting a 34-year-old Pakistani national who works at a clothing store.  She was also heard mocking them by claiming they did not know the law.
The cops have not taken kindly to her actions with one having filed (oh, the irony) a police report over her behaviour by claiming that she was obstructing the officers from carrying out their duties.
If Sheila’s intentions are to uncover rogue or dirty cops, isn’t there a better way than shoving a phone in the (alleged) culprits’ faces and making your voice several decibels too loud?

Wouldn’t it be better to have recorded whatever transgression these police officers were alleged to have done and, yes, file a police report, making the complaint official and forcing an investigation?
It also appears that PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) is stuck as to how to handle this in-your-face individual who has obviously rubbed a few people the wrong way given she has been suspended since June 23, 2023.
That is a long time to goyang kaki (literally “shake legs”).
What gives?
As for Shiela’s latest dramatics in Jalan Ipoh, if she really does want to stamp out bribery within the police force, perhaps it is better if she requests – post her suspension of police duties that is – a transfer to the relevant department where she can be more effective, ie the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Going after small fry does little in the long run with clips such as this further depicting her as some sort of drama queen.
Given her popularity online, it might even be respectfully suggested that Sheila can have greater impact outside the police force. Sheila would be an ideal candidate as the face of news portals that uncover abuse of power and corrupt practices.

How about hosting a podcast that shines a spotlight on the iffy practices riddling our police force, using first-hand experience to drive the narrative? I’d tune in, wouldn’t you?
For all the all the apparent display of righteousness, perhaps Inspector Sheila’s flair for the dramatic can be better utilised elsewhere. Be it in another law enforcement agency or in the spheres of cyberspace as an influencer or social commenter.
But then again, if her suspension comes with full wages and benefits, why not continue with a lepak lifestyle, eg enter into a matrimony? It is something others can only dream of.  

Concerned Fan of Insp Sheila
George Town, Penang
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.

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